The rush as the skyline comes into view as you drive over the George Washington Bridge…The incessant din of honking taxis…the nostalgic aroma of roasted chestnuts…the crowds…the lights…there is nothing in the world like the energy of New York City during the holiday season!

Tag: Caribbean

1. The Beaches

So this probably goes without saying, but if you are in need of long stretches of powder­ white, footprint-­free sand, and swaying coconut palms, and if you long to hear the lapping of soft Caribbean sea waves, Jamaica needs to be on your bucket list. Whether you are looking for a secluded cove to escape the world or every type of adventurous water activity, Jamaica has it all. From snorkeling to horseback riding, from glowing bioluminescent beaches to kayaking, and steel drum reggae beach parties, there is something for everyone.

Being a teen travel and life-style blogger is more than I could ever have dreamed of. Having the opportunities to travel all over the country and world have been such a blessing. I am grateful for each and every trip, journey, excursion and adventure.

But now it is time for me to give back. Since I began travel blogging with my mom, we have both said we want our purpose to be meaningful. At first we weren’t sure exactly what that looked like. Inspiring girls to travel and take risks seemed obvious at the time, and is still an aspiring goal. However, being an influencer, I feel there are more important jobs to be done. There are animals suffering, refugees ill and lost without homes, homeless people cold and alone, girls that cannot attend schools due to lack of hygienic products, schools that barely have resources for students to learn and the list unfortunately goes on and on. I have been asking myself for months, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’

And then fate took flight!

A few weeks ago my mom was contacted by another mom whose daughter follows Pedisnpassports. Her name is Gabi Frank, a 13-year-old girl from Downers Grove. She told me she has collected 2,000 books for children in the Caribbean through Pack for a Purpose and Sandals Foundation. I was so thrilled to hear about this noble charity and immediately wanted to partake.

Pack for a Purpose was founded by Rebecca Rothney and a team of a few wonderful volunteers. Their mission is “to positively impact communities around the world by assisting travelers who want to bring meaningful contributions to the destinations they visit.”

If you are planning a vacation, you should definitely go to their website and see if the community you are visiting is in need of any supplies. I mean what is better than going on an amazing vacation and helping people simultaneously.

Pack for a Purpose provides supply lists on its website for destinations in over 60 countries. The needed items range from school supplies, to personal hygiene, to clothing and all sorts of items (many other requested items). People all over the world are in need and if you are fortunate enough to travel, it is a humanitarian responsibility to give back.

So Gabi and I are asking for your help. We would like to collect 3,000 new and gently used books for children ages 3-6 years old for libraries in Jamaica. We cannot accept encyclopedias or textbooks.

If you are willing to donate a book or two, please email us at: pedis.n.passports@gmail.com or HLaw97@comcast.net as soon as you possibly can for shipping/drop off address informtion. We are planning to visit the students at their schools in Jamaica this fall.

On our vacation in the Cayman Islands, we had the opportunity to go on the most amazing adventure–horseback riding along a tranquil stretch of white sand and turquoise waters on the north side of the island. The beautiful, well-trained horses are owned by Lori, of Pampered Ponies. Lori is an incredibly loving person who cares deeply about her clients, her staff and obviously her amazing horses. The are obviously well-cared for and happy. We cannot stop talking about this unique experience. It is so much more than your typical beach side horseback riding excursion! Pampered Ponies gives a new definition to the term “Sea Horse”!

Are three days in paradise enough to transform your wanderlust soul? In our opinion, absolutely! Our long weekend in the Cayman Islands could not have been more sublime. The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation during our three days at the most stunning and luxurious Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman was the ideal tropical retreat. Within three days time, we had plenty of opportunity to explore, rejuvenate and have quality mother-daughter bonding time.

This past spring we spent a glorious week at Sunset Royal Beach Resort in Cancun, Mexico. This was our fourth stay at this resort and believe us, it did not disappoint. For children, teens and adults, there is something for everyone. From overlooking the Caribbean sea while lounging in the hotel room jacuzzi, attending morning yoga in the palm-frond pavilion, receiving full body massages to the sound of crashing waves, playing pool volleyball and basketball, water aerobics, scavenger hunts, painting ceramics, enjoying cooking classes, long naps on the expansive pristine beach, afternoon poolside bingo, or enjoying limitless cocktails (Brooke did not partake in that activity), this all-inclusive resort has a myriad of activities to meet the needs of all ages. Read more →